| Abstract: | Undeniably Kelantan is one of the east coast states of Malaysia,which has faced yearly flooding catastrophe especially during north-east-monsoon season.The aims of this study are to record the land uses from upstream to downstream of Kelantan River basin,and to record the riparian vegetation that are resistance and susceptible to flood situations in affected areas along the bank of Kelantan River after December 2014 when the worst flood was recorded for decades.A serial of surveys were conducted at 9 sampling sites(S1 to S9)from the upstream to the downstream in the basin.The massive clearing in the forest in the basin particularly in the upper streams was a serious problem.Heavy loads of sedimentations greatly affected the hydrological system of Kelantan River.There were 64 plant species were recorded in this study.Most sampling sites were submerged and most of the riparian plants survived although the flood levels reached 10 m.On the other hand,some commercial tree species such as Elaeis guenensis,Lansium parasiticum and Nephelium lappaceum could not thrive in flooding conditions.It should be noted that the populations of noxious,such as Mimosa pigra and Piper aduncum had colonized most parts of riparian zones.Perhaps due to the disturbances of catchment and riparian vegetations,the river water regimes have been transformed.Therefore,the ecological assessments and socio-economic approaches were recommended in order to mitigate the flood situation. |
